Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)

Aquatic birds (Anseriformes) > Sea Ducks (Merginae) > Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)

This bird is a native to North America. One bird was seen in Weymouth having arrived exhausted and landed in a drainage channel. The jury is out as to whether this bird had made it across from North America or whether it is an escapee from a collection in the UK. Either way, it is an interesting bird to see. It seemed to be at home in the company of Tufted Ducks.

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus). Copyright 2009 Peter Drury.<br />
A native of North America, this male appeared on Radipole Lake in June 2009 and was still here in October. There is a debate as to whether it was an escapee from a private collection or had been blown across the Atlantic. An interesting sight non-the less.<br />
It is seen here in the company of Tufted Ducks and seemed quite happy wandering around and diving with them.

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Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus). Copyright 2009 Peter Drury.
A native of North America, this male appeared on Radipole Lake in June 2009 and was still here in October. There is a debate as to whether it was an escapee from a private collection or had been blown across the Atlantic. An interesting sight non-the less.
It is seen here in the company of Tufted Ducks and seemed quite happy wandering around and diving with them.

Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Radipole Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Weymouth Oct 2009 birds nature

PeterD-2009

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)